governor nor romney is a good debater. >> reporter: as they hunker down for practice poll show americans overwhelmingly think the debate and election are the president's to lose entitle a new poll this morning, 63% of registered voters expect president obama to win. his biggest lead so far when it comes to expectations. actual support the race is closer president obama leads mitt romney by just two points, 49-47%. that's why the debates could be the pivotal turning point the romney campaign is hoping for. governor christie predicted romney could close the gap with president obama after a strong showing. >> i have confidence when we get to thursday morning you are going to be saying it is a new race. >> reporter: president obama is holding debate prep in nevada, working on keeping his answers short and concise. >> the president has to be president. he killed osama bin laden i think he can stand up to mitt romney. >> reporter: mitt romney keeps hammering the president's foreign policy calling for a new strategy in the mideast saying the obama administration has been at the mercy of events,